Abstract: “Coupling for an outlet conduit (2) of a washing tank (1) of a washing machine, the coupling comprising a connection conduit (3) coupled to said outlet conduit (2), and a sealing gasket (4) between said outlet conduit (2) and said connection conduit (3). Said sealing gasket (4) comprises a base (5) and two lateral walls (6,7) that delimit a first housing (8) in which the end of the outlet conduit (2) is housed, and the connection conduit (3) comprises a substantially transversal surface (9) and two lateral surfaces (10,11) that delimit a second housing (12) in which the sealing gasket (4) is housed.

Abstract: An sealing gasket is shown for use in forming joints of plastic pipe. The gasket has a bulbous region which is bisected by a planar region which forms a pair of oppositely extending wing-like flaps. These features of the gasket allow it to be more reliably seated on the working mandrel used to bell a female, thermoplastic pipe end. The wing-like flap portions of the gasket form wiper surfaces for a subsequently installed male, spigot pipe end as the joint is formed.

Abstract: An instantaneous connection device includes a tubular body, a tight element used to hold the end of a line in the body and includes an elastically deformable annular sealing element and a holding element that are arranged to receive the end of the line, a cam member for moving the holding element from a free state into a state wherein it grips the end of the line when it is axially displaced in the tubular body from a first position to a second position, and an elastic member for bringing the holding element back towards its second position. The sealing element is mounted between a radial shoulder of the body and a radial face of the holding element. The radial shoulder and the radial face are provided with reciprocal reliefs for laterally coming into contact with the annular sealing element.

Abstract: A micromachined O-ring is described. The O-ring can be formed for use in micromachined microfluidic devices.

Abstract: An integrated connection for a manhole having a wall opening defining a peripheral surface and a ring shaped elastomeric body cast in place on the peripheral surface. The elastomeric body includes a foot region cast within the wall thickness of the manhole and connected to a leg region. The leg region terminates in a primary sealing surface. A reinforcing element passes through the ring shaped elastomeric body at one circumferential location which, when viewed in cross section, appears below the peripheral surface of the wall opening once the gasket is cast in place.

Abstract: Featured is a mounting device and methods related thereto for mounting the device to an object including cylindrical objects such as camera lenses, rifle scopes, telescopes, monoculars and binoculars. The mounting device includes a housing, having an exterior surface, that is to be mounted to an object and a resilient member. The housing is configured so as to include an interior passage having an inner cross section larger than that of the object to which the housing is to be mounted onto, and at least one slot extending from the housing exterior surface and into the housing interior passage. The resilient member is disposed about at least a portion of the housing exterior surface so a portion of the resilient member is positioned within each of the at least one slot in the housing and so this portion of the resilient member protrudes into the interior passage.

Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe segments together is disclosed. The coupling is derived from a standard fitting and has a housing with a socket and a first expanded region adjacent to the socket and a second expanded region adjacent to the first expanded region. A sealing member is positioned in the first expanded region, a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region and a support washer having transversely oriented radial and coaxial flanges is positioned adjacent to the retainer. A lip turned inwardly on the second expanded region overlaps the radial flange and captures the support washer, retainer and sealing member within the coupling. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining pipe against internal forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved self restrained pressure gasket. The pressure gasket has a rigid ring formed as an integral part of the gasket thus making the gasket easy to install. The rigid ring which forms the restraining mechanism has rows of teeth of varying lengths that, when assembled, engage at various points around the circumference of a mating pipe. The teeth adjust to the tolerances allowed in pipe manufacturing without losing gripping capacity.

Abstract: A strain relief includes a main body having a bore therein for passage of a cable, wire, conduit, hose, or similar member therethrough. The main body includes a first section having male threads, and a second section including a plurality of cantilevered deflectable prongs extending therefrom. A plurality of slots are located between the prongs, and the prongs decrease in width extending toward distal ends of the prongs. A flexible elastomeric grommet is located within the bore and extends substantially along an entire length of the main body. The grommet includes a cylindrical sidewall and a plurality of spaced-apart annular ribs extending radially inwardly from the sidewall. A plurality of annular grooves are located between the annular ribs. The annular ribs have inside diameters which progressively increase along a length of the grommet in order to accommodate cables of various diameters therethrough.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for transverse connection of a drainpipe to a concrete sewer pipe of larger relative diameter. The coupling has a hollow, longitudinally extending cylindrical body with first and second ends and interior and exterior surfaces. The body has an external locating shoulder, on the exterior surface, integral with the body and extending outwardly therefrom. The external locating shoulder limits penetration of the coupling in an opening in a sidewall of the concrete pipe. The body also has an internal groove on the interior surface, located at a same longitudinal spacing as the external locating shoulder. The internal groove receives an internal sealing ring for creating a seal between the drainpipe and the body when the drainpipe is inserted.

Abstract: A pipe joint including a first pipe segment having a belled end and an annular gasket carried within the belled end, a second pipe segment having an end inserted into the belled end, passing through the annular gasket, and a beveled insert carried by the end of the second pipe segment for facilitating the insertion of the end of the second pipe segment into the belled end of the first pipe segment passing through the annular gasket.

Abstract: A pipe joint including a first pipe segment having a belled end and an annular gasket carried within the belled end, a second pipe segment having an end inserted into the belled end, passing through the annular gasket, and a beveled insert carried by the end of the second pipe segment for facilitating the insertion of the end of the second pipe segment into the belled end of the first pipe segment passing through the annular gasket.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling incorporates several improvements including the combination of several functions into a single component. A single stop member provides a structure for holding a check valve spring, and also provides a stop for the check valve. The single component further provides positioning for an o-ring. The coupling also includes a pilot which includes compressible ribs at its outer peripheral surface such that the pilot is self-centering preventing excessive off-centering of the tube. In addition, the position of an o-ring relative to a retainer is tightly controlled such that upon insertion of a tube into the connector, the tube will initially encounter a resistance force by compression of the seal. Once this resistance force is overcome, the tube will immediately begin to encounter a resistance force from the retainer. Thus, an installer does not see two separate resistance forces, but rather sees a continuous single resistance force.

Abstract: A test sample card is provided with a locking feature for achieving a positive, locking engagement with a transfer tube that conducts fluid into the interior of the test sample card. The locking feature consists of a tubular channel inwardly disposed from the fluid intake port that has an inner annular rim defining a restriction. The annular rim is of a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the transfer tube. A recessed region is positioned inwardly from the restriction that has an opening in one of the surfaces of the card body. When the transfer tube is inserted into the tubular channel, the first end is forced past the restriction into the recessed region, with the annular rim compressing the transfer tube. The user is able to sense with their hands when the first end is inserted past the restriction. Visual observation of the first end of the transfer tube through the opening in the card surface confirms that the transfer tube has been properly inserted into the test sample card.

Abstract: A joint assembly for a pressurized, multi-sectional exhaust manifold comprising a joint member, tubular in cross section having a first end and a second end and a throughbore extending therethrough, the outer circumference of the joint member being less than the inner circumference of adjoining exhaust manifold sections, there being formed on the joint member proximate the first end and the second end a plurality of circumferential grooves for receipt of a plurality of sealing rings, the joint member and sealing rings being frictionally secured within adjacent ends of exhaust manifold sections.

Abstract: A slip joint for an engine exhaust system having a male and female manifold section which utilizes a sleeve assembly that is disposed about one of the manifold sections. The sleeve assembly has a positioning portion and locating portion. The positioning portion is in sealing engagement with one of the manifold sections and the locating portion is in resiliently sealing engagement with the other manifold section. The principle use is for exhaust manifold connections, however any joint that has thermal expansion or encounters vibrational loads will benefit from this invention. For example, exhaust gas recirculation systems may have passages connected with this invention.

Abstract: A plastic or polytetrafluoroethylene split seal ring having highly flexible, annularly extending, axially spaced apart side walls is disclosed for sealing opposed, concentrically overlapping open end portions of a pair of gas conduits together or for sealing a sleeve of a flexible coupling to end portions of two opposed, spaced apart gas conduits is disclosed. The ring includes an annularly extending base portion, a pair of axially spaced apart, annularly extending side walls connected to and along opposite sides of the base portion. The side walls project radially beyond a radially inwardly or radially outwardly facing surface of the base portion to form a groove in which an expansion or contraction member can be disposed to effect a gas tight seal of the ring against and around a surface of one of the conduits.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a socket end of a thermoplastic pipe. The gasket includes a ring shaped body which, when viewed in cross-section includes a leading nose region and a generally planar lower compression region, the leading nose region being joined to the lower compression region by a leading sloped surface region which forms an alignment ramp to guide a mating spigot end during insertion and which defines an angle .alpha. with respect to a horizontal axis drawn parallel to a central axis of the pipe, the lower compression region being joined to a secondary seal surface by a vertical lip portion which terminates in a trailing surface which defines a second angle .beta. with respect to the horizontal axis drawn parallel to the central axis of the pipe. The presence of the generally planar lower compression region prevents the vertical lip portion from bending backward under pressure loading and wherein the angles .alpha. and .beta.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a socket end of a thermoplastic pipe. The gasket has a ring shaped body of an elastomeric material and includes a metal reinforcing band. The metal reinforcing band has an angular profile, when viewed in cross-section, with an apex which is embedded within the gasket body but lies in close proximity to an exterior surface of the gasket. The apex provides a reinforced contact point during belling operations but is isolated from surrounding liquids passing through a pipe joint.

Abstract: A tube coupling having a throughway open at one end to receive a tube end, an annular groove encircling the throughway at a location spaced from said open end and an annular flexible sealing washer mounted in the groove and having an inner peripheral portion which projects through the open mouth of the groove to engage an outer surface of a tube which is a close fit in the throughway. The groove has one side nearest the open end of the throughway which lies in a plane generally transverse to the throughway to limit flexing of the inner part of the sealing washer towards the open end of the throughway and an opposite side of which is relieved at the mouth of the groove to allow the inner part of the sealing washer to take up a curvature in being deformed by forcing a tube through the washer.

Abstract: A connector or coupling device for pipes of different materials and different diameters. The connector is formed by a single integral sleeve of roughly barrel shape. The two open end portions of the sleeve are defined by a narrow slightly outwardly flaring flange. The connector is further provided by at least one angular U-shaped ring having two ears adapted to receive a screw and bolt for tightening the ring.

Abstract: A construction capable of easily coupling or disassembling two tubes. The construction has a first annular flange of an enclosing tube protruding radially outward, a telescoped tube inserted in the enclosing tube, a first seal member inserted between an outer surface of the telescoped tube and an outside cylindrical inner surface of the enclosing tube, a second seal member inserted between the outer surface of the telescoped tube and the outside cylindrical inner surface of the enclosing tube after the first seal member is inserted, and a coupler for coupling the enclosing tube and the second seal member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing flange (14) which comprises a tubular structure which has an axis (22) and consists of an integral tubular outer body (20) which contains a series of annular seals (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) which are disposed substantially coaxially according to the axis, these seals being suitable for surrounding a tube when the latter is inserted in the structure. The invention applies in particular to repair of gas pipes.

Abstract: A coupler for use with helical double-wall corrugated pipe is disclosed having a spigot portion and a bell portion. The spigot portion has at least one corrugation formed therein, a spigot portion first edge and a spigot portion second edge, and is adapted to screw onto the end of a first pipe having a first pipe corrugated outer wall and a first pipe inner wall. The spigot portion second edge is adapted to be secured to the first pipe outer wall, and the spigot portion first edge is adapted to be secured to the first pipe inner wall. The bell portion has at least one corrugation formed therein, a bell portion first edge, and a bell portion second edge, and is adapted to screw onto the end of a second pipe having a second pipe corrugated outer wall and a second pipe inner wall. The bell portion second edge is adapted to be secured to the second pipe outer wall, and the bell portion first edge is adapted to be secured to the second pipe inner wall.

Abstract: A connector for joining two tubes together. A female connector with a cavity made of resilient material such that when the male and female connectors are joined the leakage from the tube ends is minimal. In addition, the cavity made of resilient material resilient will only loosely hold onto the outside surface of the male connector such that the two connectors will disconnect quickly and automatically when a relatively low tensional or shearing force is applied across the joined connector. Valve means are also provided to prevent leakage out of both connectors when the connectors are disconnected.

Abstract: A telescopic quick connect disconnect connecter where movement between the telescopic members may be controlled by a pair of springs. The connecter includes telescopic male and female members joined by action of a spring which normally prevents withdrawal of the male member from the female member by being wedged between the camming surface of a recess in the female member and a notch in the male member. A second notch is provided on the male member beyond the female member in which a second spring is placed which will abut against the end of the female member to limit further insertion of the male member into the female member. The latter spring is intended to fail in unusual stress situations such as earthquakes to prevent catastrophic failure of the system. This system is particularly disclosed for use with supply pipes for fire sprinkler systems. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the male members and a method for use of the piping.

Abstract: A joint for coupling corrugated or ribbed pipe segments, including helical ribbed pipe segments, end-to-end includes a segment of corrugated or ribbed pipe having a plurality of corrugations or ribs spaced axially along the segment's outer surface, a spigot portion at an end of the segment where the corrugations or ribs have been partially removed to form annular bosses, an annular gasket positioned in the spigot portion, and a cylindrical coupling positioned over the spigot portion and gasket. The outer diameter of the coupling is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the corrugations or ribs, and the inner diameter of the coupling is larger than the outer diameter of the bosses such that a gap is formed between the coupling and the spigot portion. The gasket is sized to have a radial thickness slightly larger than the gap such that the gasket forms an air-tight seal between the spigot portion and the coupling when the spigot portion and gasket are inserted into the coupling.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for connecting two pipes of dissimilar material. In particular, an assembly is provided for connecting a first end portion of a first pipe to a second end portion of a second pipe formed as a bell housing having a larger inside diameter than an outside diameter of the first end portion and which second end portion overlaps the first end portion. The connector assembly includes a mandrill for attachment to the first end portion, which is formed as a flange extending radially from an outside circumference of the first end portion to face at least a portion of an end face of the bell housing, and an axial tubular extension extending from the flange so as to, upon assembly, reach a point approximately equal to an axial end point of the first pipe, and reside within the second end portion creating an annular space therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a socket joint for plastic pipes, whereupon a spigot end (1a) of one (1) of the pipes to be connected is inserted in an expanded section (2a) of a socket (2), and an intermediate space (3) situated between the spigot end and the expanded section comprises a housing sealing unit (4) that extends along a considerable part of the length of said intermediate space and that comprises several circular flexible lip seals (6) on its outer and inner circumference. The outer and inner circumference of the sealing unit (4) also comprise several circular support seals (7) which have a substantially smaller compressibility especially in the radial direction than the lip seals (6).

Abstract: A quick release connector enables replacement of a toilet tank valve by one having little, if any, knowledge of repair or skills relating to plumbing. The toilet tank valve includes a quick release connector coupling the toilet tank valve to a source of water within the toilet tank. The toilet tank valve may be quickly and easily replaced by manipulation of the quick release connector by the user's fingers without the necessity of mechanical tools or the like.

Abstract: A force-transmitting joint formed between two pipe sections is provided that is particularly suited for an extruded, plastic pipe having a variable wall thickness. The joint has a smooth outer surface and a constant gap in which a sealing member is retained. The pipe section has an outer wall including an outer surface and an inner surface with a variable wall thickness defined therebetween. A first end of the pipe section includes a first joint member comprising a first support surface having a constant width. The first joint member further comprises an outwardly extending sealing leg having a variable width. A second end of the pipe includes a second joint member comprising a second support surface having a constant width which is less than the width of the first support surface. The second joint member further comprises a recess having a variable thickness. An annular sealing member is assembled onto the sealing leg.

Abstract: A quick connect coupler for interconnecting pressure sealed housings with pin and socket members where the socket member has a sealing bore and locking grooves. The pin member has a first rotatable ring assembly and a second rotatable ring assembly is mounted on the first ring assembly. A rotatable pawl member in the second ring assembly interlocks the socket member and the ring assemblies against axial and rotational movement. When actuated, the pawl member releases to permit relative rotation to an unlock position where the pawl member is used as a cam member to move the assemblies axially relative to one another to release the sealing connection as well as the locking interconnection.

Abstract: Assembly is described for providing a radial seal between two air conduit members. The assembly generally comprises a first conduit member having seal retainer thereon and, second conduit member having a tubular section which is inserted into the seal retainer, during formation of the radial seal. The seal retainer comprises a retainer trough having a removable and replaceable seal ring positioned therein.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for a coating material dispensing device includes a passageway through which coating material is supplied from a supply conduit for dispensing. The supply conduit includes a first region along its length provided with a surrounding O-ring. The passageway includes a sidewall providing a second region along its length in which the first region resides when the supply conduit is positioned in a use orientation in the dispensing device. The second region compresses the O-ring into fluid-tight sealing orientation against the passageway sidewall in the second region when the supply conduit is inserted into the passageway into its use orientation.

Abstract: An oil drain tube disposed and connected between a turbocharger and an engine block for providing a fluid communication conduit includes a hollow tubular member having a first insertion end which is receivable within an engine block bore, and a second opposite mounting end having a flange for attaching the oil drain tube to the turbocharger. The insertion end of the oil drain tube having a sealing portion which includes two annular grooves with O-rings circumferentially mounted therein, and a stop portion defined by an annular protuberance formed adjacent to the annular grooves of the tubular member. A leak proof connection is provided at the engine block. The protuberance formed on the drain tube abuts the engine block when the drain tube is connected thereto and limits the axial insertion of the drain tube into the bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to dispensing devices attached to such liquid containers as plastic gallon jugs. More particularly the apparatus is used to dispense the contents of such containers without lifting the container. A simple device is disclosed for attachment to disposable bottles and jugs which allows small children, elderly and the handicapped to dispense liquids from such containers. One embodiment provides a controllable tilt-and pour arrangement while a second embodiment provides a head for supporting the container in the inverted position and further provides a flexibly attached dispensing valve for directing the container's contents into a receptacle while the container is positioned on the edge of a counter or refrigerator shelf.

Abstract: A conduit liner having a continuously cylindrical body having a first opening and diametrically opposed second opening, a flange which extends circumferentially around the first opening and which is integrally formed with the body, a hollow interior to encapsulate at least one wire extending through the conduit, and a plurality of flexible and collapsible fins extend along and protrude from an external surface of the body.

Abstract: A coupler is provided for connecting a vehicle exhaust pipe to an exhaust extractor hose. The coupler (30,114) has a housing (32,116) with an inlet end (3,124) and an outlet end(36,118). A curtain wall assembly (68,122) is provided at the inlet end to sealingly receive the exhaust pipe. The curtain wall assembly comprises at least a pair of facially abutting curtain wall members (70, 126) defining adjacent mutually offset flexible flap members (78,140) that deflect and seal around the exhaust pipe. A peripheral clamping ring (80, 128) clamps the curtain wall members together. The housing is provided with air passageway holes (52,145) and a slider member (56,144) having air passage holes (58,146) which is slidable on the housing to bring the holes (58,146) into or out of registry with the holes (52,145) to increase or decrease airflow through the holes (52,145).

Abstract: The coupler consists of an essentially cylindrical outer layer of glass fiber-reinforced plastic and an inner layer consisting of polyurethane. This inner layer has, approximately in the middle between the two coupler ends, a rib which serves as a stop for the ends of the two pipes to be connected to one another. The coupler has, between this rib and one coupler end (a), an approximately conical inner shape which has a diameter which increases in an outward direction, this conical surface also being provided with two sealing beads.

Abstract: A pipe connection which the insertion piece fits into a sleeve and presses a retaining ring there against. The retaining ring has a compression rib and is constructed so as to be urged into a channel in the sleeve, The ring body is formed unitarily with a sealed lip and a closure lip and a compression-relieving groove opens axially in the direction of insertion and extends almost to but is spaced from a radial plane of the compression rib.

Abstract: Device for connection between a flexible pipe 1 and a rigid tubular joining piece 2 intended to be fitted inside the flexible pipe. Two coaxial, rigid, tubular elements 3, 4 are disposed respectively inside and outside the end of the flexible pipe and embrace this end. The inner tubular element 3 and the outer tubular element 4 each present, in contact with the flexible pipe, two cylindrical portions of different diameters, 3a,4a-3b,4b, the one of larger diameter being located towards the free end of the flexible pipe. The portion of larger diameter 3b of the inner tubular element thus constitutes, on its inner face, a housing 5 for the O-ring, said housing being closed by an annular wall 8 fixed to the outer tubular element 4.

Abstract: The seal (4) has an annular body (10) with a generating section which is substantially rectangular and with an inner cylindrical surface (18) having a diameter (d1) substantially equal to the nominal diameter of the tubing (2) to be connected to the coupling (1). The seal (4) has a rib (20) projecting radially inwardly and having an inner diameter (d2) less than the outer diameter (d1) of the tubing. The seal also has an annular lip (24) which projects axially and has an inner surface with a diameter (d3) intermediate the internal diameter (d2) of the radial rib (20) and the diameter (d1) of the inner surface (18) of the seal (4).

Abstract: A cartridge for selectively permitting flow from a master cylinder includes a cartridge body formed with an axial passage extending from a first end to a second end of the cartridge body. A cartridge stem is disposed in the axial passage and is movable in the axial passage between a closed position, in which the cartridge stem blocks flow between the first and second ends of the cartridge body, and an open position, in which the cartridge stem permits flow between the first and second ends of the cartridge body. A method for installing a master cylinder assembly, the master cylinder assembly including a master cylinder provided with a cartridge, in a fluid pressure control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: When a PVC sewer pipe is to be connected to a precast reinforced concrete manhole at a designated hole location thereof, this designated hole is made large enough to later accommodate grout and an inserted end of the PVC sewer pipe, on which an ABS manhole adapter is pre-positioned. This ABS manhole adapter serves as a coupling-collar, around which the grout is placed, as the grout is used to fill the remaining volume of the designated hole, thereby completing the resilient connector assembly used in making this connection between the precast reinforced concrete manhole and the PVC sewer pipe.

Abstract: A sealing device for the fuel supply port of a fuel tank for use in vehicles includes a nozzle seal made of a rubber-like elastic material. The nozzle seal is provided in an annular groove formed in an inner peripheral surface of a fuel supply port guide in such a manner as to be movable in a radial direction. The inner peripheral portion of the nozzle seal can make contact with a fuel supply nozzle with an interference provided therebetween. A seal is provided on an outer peripheral or side surface of the nozzle seal to seal a gap in said annular groove. A reinforcing ring is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the nozzle seal. The reinforcing ring has axial and radial portions. The radial portion of the reinforcing ring is located adjacent to the fuel supply port guide on a side of the annular groove adjacent to the tank.

Abstract: A seal ring socket is disclosed having a ball ring at an insert end which rolls up on a socket neck portion when an insertion pipe is pushed into the ring socket. The rolling of the ball ring expands its volume to insure a water-tight seal against the insertion pipe. Grooves formed in a socket neck portion cause unbalanced stressing of the interior and exterior surfaces of the ring socket thereby assisting in the rolling of the ball ring.

Abstract: A pipe bell or fitting socket is disclosed which includes an enlarged socket defining an interior, gasket receiving pocket. The enlarged socket terminates endwardly in a front socket terminus and interiorly in an interior terminus. An integral, outwardly extending, reinforcing ring projects radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the socket and provides increased body for socket strengthening purposes. The reinforcing ring may be medially positioned on the socket, may be endwardly positioned on the socket or may be otherwise positioned as best suited for the purposes of use. The reinforcing ring may be of any desired cross-sectional configuration, for example, square, triangular, rectangular or other cross-section.

Abstract: A gasket formed of an extruded elastomeric material which is joined at its ends to form a closed loop. The gasket has a cross-section defined by a T-shaped anchoring flange integrally joined to a substantially pear-shaped portion which tapers in the radially inward direction. An integral flange extends diagonally away from the radial direction and serves to significantly enhance the water-tight seal provided by the resilient gasket, as well as significantly increasing the range of pipe diameters capable of being accommodated by the gasket. Disc-shaped or cylindrical-shaped inserts insertable into cavities at angular intervals about the wall of the opening engage the gasket to center the pipe and to aid in reducing shearing forces.

Abstract: A running tool allows an upper tubular member to be inserted into a lower tubular member in a well without damage to sealing surfaces. The upper tubular member has a first side and a sealing section on a second side. A running tool with a tubular sidewall locates on the upper tubular member. Seals on the running tool engage the first side opposite the sealing section. These seals isolate a pressure area on the opposite side from the sealing section. While running into the well, hydrostatic pressure communicates with the sealing section. A pressure differential between the isolated area and the sealing section results in a radial force. The radial force deflects the sealing section radially. This allows the members to be inserted into each other with the sealing section spaced from the sealing surface of the lower tubular member. Once in place, moving the running tool upward equalizes the pressure across the sealing section.

Abstract: A universal adaptor (10) to facilitate the connection, and retention, of a drain hose (12) with the standpipe of a household sanitary system. One end portion (11) of the drain hose (12) has an inlet cuff (15) adapted to be secured to the discharge tube (16) of a household appliance (18). The universal adaptor (10) is presented from the other end portion (11) of the drain hose (12). The universal adaptor (10) has a generally cylindrical body portion (20) which terminates in oppositely disposed proximal and distal ends (23 and 28, respectively). A passageway (21) extends axially through the body portion (20) and opens through the oppositely located proximal and distal ends (23 and 28). The proximal end (23) is adapted to be secured to the drain hose (12). The body portion (20) also has outer surfaces (25 and 26). A plurality of flexible, frustro-conical fins (30) project conically outwardly from the outer surfaces (25 and 26). The fins (30) have progressively stepped outer diameters (D.sub.A through D.sub.